Extension

There’s a growing cultural consciousness of environmental responsibility. This comes from the realization that humans impact the environment in all that they do. These impacts can work with the environment, or unfortunately, against it. As gardeners, it’s important to approach gardening and landscaping in a way that works with nature to protect it from the environment.

 

Sustainable landscaping is a comprehensive approach to gardening and landscaping. It’s possible to create beautiful and productive outdoor spaces in ways that benefit the environment, such as conserving water, improving soil, planting native species, and reducing pesticide and fertilizer use. This helps establish lawns and gardens that are more sustainable and able to continue providing environmental goods and services in the future.

 

Xeriscaping is one such sustainable approach to protecting the environment. This is a strategy that emphasizes water conservation and is achieved through the selection of native plants and/or plants that are climate appropriate. Landscapes are developed with proper grading and mulching, as well as strategic use of turf areas to take advantage of rain events. Putting these tactics in place helps ensure rainwater has time to infiltrate the soil. Proper mulching also helps prevent water from evaporating too quickly, thus, keeping it available for absorption through root systems.

 

Think of this as a savings account. When extra money is available, put it into savings to use when money is tight. The same principle applies to water. Storing it to use at a later date is helpful to the environment.

 

Most homeowners still want turf areas in the landscape, not only for aesthetics but also functionality. Being more strategic with the size and placement of turf areas and species selection, water and fertilizer needs can be reduced. Buffalo grass, Bermuda grass and other warm-season grasses are appropriate.

 

Permaculture is something else for gardening enthusiasts to consider. Permaculture can have a lot of different meanings when talking about sustainability. In landscaping, permaculture is exploiting and imitating natural relationships to create more productive systems. It recognizes critical interrelationships and examines how those relationships contribute to the stability of the whole system.

 

Also, use compost, manure and cover crops to amend soil when necessary. Save money by making compost from leftover garden and food scraps. Take small, consistent steps to conserve valuable resources. Smaller changes are easier to maintain that a lot of big changes at once. Before you know it, you’ll be having a positive impact on the environment.